Credit: courtesy of Bloomingdale's Cargo jeans are loose pants with tons of pockets. Traditionally, they come in muted colors like olive green or khaki, and have a super-slouchy shape. But how much cooler are they in denim?
Mom jeans have a high waist, slightly relaxed fit around the hips and crotch, and long back pockets. They were big in the '90s, and, like many trends your mom wore back then, these have been all the rage in the past couple of years.
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Skinny jeans are known for their figure-hugging silhouette—the snug fit starts at the waist and extends all the way to the ankle. Look for a pair with some stretch, which makes 'em much easier to pull on and take off. They come in a variety of washes and rises depending on your preference, but these ones from Good American are one of the brand's top-rated, comfiest pairs.
Credit: courtesy of Favorite Daughter Not quite skinny but not quite straight, these jeans are usually snug on the thigh area and then more relaxed over the calves. They often stop just an inch or two above the ankle. Style them with mules or slides for a more casual look or lace-up sandals for a dressier vibe.
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This style is similar to cigarette jeans except that they normally extend past the ankles. You can find them in an array of washes and rises, and you definitely can't go wrong with a pair of Agolde Lanas.
Credit: courtesy of Everlane This cut has become more popular in recent years and is typically high-waisted, has roomy leg openings, and is cropped at the middle of the shin or lower. If you're looking for pants that feel breezy and look cool with sneakers or sandals, these will become your go-to.
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Similar to straight-leg jeans but with an all-around looser fit, these are not as constricting and can easily be dressed up or down.
Credit: courtesy of J.Crew Don't love cropped pants, but still want the statement-making look of wider legs? Then these are for you. They look super sophisticated in darker washes, like these J.Crew ones, but can be low-key in a lighter wash with sandals and a T-shirt.
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These jeans are insanely comfortable thanks to their slightly baggy fit. Many come with the hem cuffed, or you can choose to roll them down for more ankle coverage. These are the ultimate casual-chic jean style—especially when worn with cute block heels, loafers, or sneaks.
Love it or hate it, low rise jeans have been having their moment. This silhouette features a button and zipper closure right above your hips if you don't like jeans that go any higher. You'll love this light-wash but if you're into dark washes, here ya go!
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High-waisted jeans work perfectly with all your crop tops and sweaters because they hit right around the belly button. (Or, in some cases, they'll sit higher or lower depending on the length of your torso.)
Bootcut jeans flare out slightly starting at the knees and are named so because they're often worn with boots, naturally. They typically feature longer pant legs and tend to work best with heeled shoes, so the bottoms don't graze the floor.
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Aka "Bell Bottoms." This silhouette is similar to bootcut jeans, except that the flare is more exaggerated. Popularized in the '70s, the bohemian style is making quite the comeback on the runways and IRL. These Frame ones are too good to not want to buy.
There's perhaps nothing more '80s than a pair of pleated jeans. This style features pleats that start at the front belt lops that give your legs more room. If you want a throwback look, then definitely consider this design.
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Credit: courtesy of Shopbop That classic, in-between. When you're not wanting a super high- or very low-rise pant, count on these from Sami Miro Vintage to be an every-day jean.
Credit: courtesy of Mother Want to switch up your denim game? Opt for white. The color is more versatile than you think because it's a neutral, and while the hue is a spring and summer staple, you can also wear them easily with all your winter white sweaters.
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Another neutral on the other side of the spectrum is black. The dark color is great if you're going for an edgier vibe—you really can't go wrong wearing these with a leather moto jacket and black booties. However, they can also be work-appropriate, since they're basically one step down from classic black dress pants.
Credit: courtesy of Revolve Did your mom ever tell you growing up that she'd never buy you a pair of hole-y jeans? Yeah, same. But they're just so fun! If you don't trust your DIY skills, opt for an already-distressed pair with rips, frays, and holes. There are definitely different levels of distressing, so you can go for a style that's more subtle, too.

I'm Cosmopolitan's Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago.

Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle about 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is Miss Supranational Haiti 2024, a Syracuse Masters graduate, and the author of three books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok: @iamtarahlynn.
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